Since the first time he hit a baseball in a T-ball game baseball has been the center of Tadd Brewer's life.

And like every baseball player he has always dreamed of playing in the Major Leagues. Unlike most players, Brewer has what it takes to make the dream a reality.

As a senior this season for the Lipscomb Bisons Brewer is doing everything he can to show he one day should be wearing a Major League uniform.

Heading into this weekend's Atlantic Sun Conference series with Stetson in Deland, Fla., Brewer is batting .414, second on the team through 19 games. He leads the Bisons in runs batted in with 18 (eighth in the A-Sun) and stolen bases with seven. He has hit a conference-leading three triples and is second in the conference in sacrifice flies with three.

"This is what we expected from Tadd from the get go," Lipscomb assistant coach Cliff Terracuso said. "The recruiting process was very simple with Tadd. We made him an offer and he asked, `Where's the pen to sign on the dotted line?'"

Last season Brewer led the Bisons in runs scored (37) and hits (80). He was second on the team in both batting average (.345) and doubles (13). Brewer placed third on the team in on base percentage (.390) and runs batted in (25).

Brewer, a native of Sturgis, Ky., believes that there have been many factors in his life which have led to his success on the baseball field. He transferred to Lipscomb for his junior year from Rend Lake Junior College. Upon arriving at Lipscomb, Brewer wasted no time in demonstrating why he belonged at the Division One level.

"The biggest factors in my success have been God, my love for the game, practice, and influences both on and off the field," Brewer said. "God has given me the talent to play the game that I love and I have taken that talent and tried to polish it to the best of my ability.

"My dad has definitely had the biggest influence on my career. I started playing when I was young and he has been by my side pushing me, helping me, and watching me. He and my mom have both spent more time at the ball field than I can imagine. Looking back that really means a lot to me because it has helped me get where I am today. "

Brewer has learned from a variety of coaches throughout his career. Each one has provided a piece of the puzzle that has made Brewer such an accomplished player.

"I have had several different coaches along the way and I have picked up bits and pieces from each that I try to use," said Brewer. "They all have helped mold me into the player I am today."

Brewer was named as one of five captains on the team last season. At the end of the year, he was awarded the 2005 Offensive Award. Perhaps more impressive is the fact that Brewer considers his defense to be his biggest strength.

"I could take ground ball after ground ball and not get tired of it," Brewer said.

Terracuso agreed.

"His defensive work, being considered as a `big shortstop' at 6-foot-2 is his most impressive tool with his lightning bolt arm," said Terracuso. " Scouts will really be impressed with the velocity of the baseball leaving his hand."

The importance of Brewer to the Bisons can not be overstated. Brewer, batting in the No. 2 spot, has proved he can drive runners in and score runs. The offense he has provided combined with his near flawless defense have made Brewer a player that will not be easily replaced next season.

"He is the general on the field," Terracusso said. "He has to do the little things every day to make him the player he is. Tadd doesn't have the luxury of arriving to practice and having an off day. Tadd comes to work every day and approaches the game in a professional manner."

While it is true that you can never predict the Major League Baseball draft, the Bisons star shortstop with the amazing arm and unmatched work ethic surely has as good a shot as any.

"I do not want to jinx the situation or his draft status," Terracuso said. "But Tadd is a lanky shortstop with a way above average arm who runs a 6.7 60 yard dash. He has an unbelievable work ethic. It is not hard to understand that he will get drafted."

This story was written by Krissy Wade, student assistant in media relations.